I recently met an amazing woman named Sheila Ulrich through a mutual Facebook friend. Sheila inspires people by living her authentic life, and has an important message to share. I call that Living In Courage. Sheila helps create a bridge between fear and life. If you are in fear, take her hand and let her walk you to the other side. As I have talked about often at Living in Courage Online, fear is a pesky illusion that the altered ego loves to trip you up with. Do not give it any power. By using the power of love, anything is possible. Sheila’s story “Facing Death, I Found Life” follows.
It wasn’t the familiar voice deep within, the physical exhaustion, or the collapsing career and relationships that got my attention. No, for me it was an ultimatum, live or die. But somewhere at the back of my mind, I had felt it coming; a lingering doubt, a faint premonition, whispers of a tragedy. Facing my own mortality, I woke up, I found myself again, and I found life.
Eleven years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Stage IV melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, invaded my body. In an instant, my life changed forever. My three young children stared in horror as their mother collapsed in fear. That pain in their eyes almost paralyzed me. Through inconsolable sobs, my heart ached with their pain. They needed me, their mother, to help guide and teach them and share their lives. Even in the shock of the moment of crisis, a piece of me knew the opportunity ahead. My responsibilities as wife, mother, career woman, socialite, and friend had consumed me and I was spinning out of control. The conflict within had surfaced now in disease. I knew this was my opportunity to transform my life. I made a decision, a choice, I chose to live! The urgency to teach my children about life and death sent me searching in multiple directions. I was searching for the answer to save my life and to save my children from living a life of fear.
Doctors, tests, and surgeries became my way of life. The medical community had little to offer for treatment or preventative care. My bodily pain was unbearable, but more than that my spirit was disguised beyond recognition. I felt confused, walking through an unending nightmare. With so many questions and very few answers, I was determined to find another way. Then in a glimpse of a moment the whole world stopped, no sounds, no movement, and complete stillness. The message filled my entire being, “Heal the Whole, Body, Mind and Spirit!” A sense of peace and knowingness so profound no words can describe followed. It was then that my journey into self began. I realized that my inner voice, that hadn’t been listened to for a long time, was screaming to be heard. Little did I know, my journey began at that moment, to find my spirit once again.
Alternative healing methods were introduced to me and a whole new world of hope and possibilities opened up. I tried everything available; homeopathy, naturopathy, spiritual healing, kinesiology, yoga, etc. Through each modality experienced, another piece of me was unveiled. All my painful emotions and experiences, not expressed and discarded, were carried with me as an expression of who I was. Each step along this journey led me to uncover more and more of my life experiences I was defining as me. Who am I anyway? One by one, I began to release all the good and ugly experiences of my life I had carried so long. I began seeing the light once again of who I really was beyond this physical body.
I was transforming me, my life, while my family and friends clung to the old. Many messengers along the way guided and encouraged me to continue. With faith and barely the strength to get through most days, I put one foot in front of the other and continued the journey. As another year went by with no evidence of cancer, I was certain I was traveling the right road. Uncovering layer by layer of this old self was excruciating. It was a journey through the deepest pain and the darkest hell. When would this misery end? When would I be whole again? So many times, tired, angry, and alone, I wanted to quit. With little courage to battle alone, something inside nudged me forward. That still, small voice that had been forgotten was still screaming to be heard. The world had distracted me long enough and I began opening to the infinite knowingness within. The pain became joy, the loneliness peace. I saw clearly how I had created the pain and disease in my physical body to wake up and remember who I really was and my infinite potential. This growing awareness was an outward expansion of me. I saw how I had created the roadblocks and limitations in my life that imprisoned me and how these roadblocks held me back from experiencing the joy, peace and happiness I had been searching for. I began watching myself create the suffering in relationships and experiences, and then knew that it was only in my mind, not me. My mind was creating my suffering. To let go is freedom. I clung so tightly to past experiences and emotional pain because I thought it was me, but the me inside was really free.
The journey that I began to save my body from death became an integration of body, mind and spirit and a gift of awakening. Every moment, I continue my healing journey; a journey back to self, a journey that never ends. Every moment I create my life and continue to remember who I am and why I chose to come. My life has changed forever and I will never be the same again. I experienced death; death of my old self and a rebirth into the infinite creation of life. The experience of truly living each step of this journey was a gift so I could walk others across this bridge of life. I share this gift with you, so you too can find LIFE! Many walk through time feeling a void or lack of purpose and meaning in their life. Don’t wait for a tragedy to hit to wake up and live your dreams. Even in the darkest moment, there is a glimmer of light; a light shining bright enough to lead you to your next step. What is holding you back from expressing who you really are and living your life in joy?
Truly Alive with Sheila Ulrich Radio Show is all about HEALING.
Healing is restoring and becoming whole to live life fully. Together we can heal no matter where we are in our life cycle or what our life circumstances. Listen to our experts as we lead you on a journey of healing ALL of you. Sharing amazing stories of healing and living life fully will inspire you to be Truly Alive. Most importantly connect with friends who remind you, you are never really alone. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sheila-Ulrich
I want to talk to you about my courageous friend Jack Hennings. He has a miracle story, which speaks of Living In Courage to me. In 1993 Jack found out he had Leukemia – Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia throughout his whole body. At one point his bone marrow was 98% impacted, with only 2% viable and functioning. Jack also had a 6 lb. mass of lymph nodes in his abdomen. Emergency chemo helped shrink the mass. In one more week, his kidneys would have exploded. He had to sign a waver that the emergency chemo that night could kill him. This was a significant night in Jack’s life, he did not know if he would live or die. He lived.
The mass was decreased in size and Jack took chemotherapy on and off for 10 years after that. During that 10 year period there were two other times Jack almost died. After 10 years he had exhausted all chemo resources. Radiation was not an option because the cancer was in his bone marrow and lymph nodes. A Stem Cell transplant was the only option to save Jack. The Stem Cell transplant was done in 2003. Jack’s brother Sam Hennings was a perfect match as a donor. One in 35 Million!
After the transplant there were complications. The new immune system Jack developed was his brother Sam’s, which was too strong for Jack’s ailing body. He had to be on immuno suppressants for about a year to allow his body to develop the strength to handle his brothers immune system. Jack became stronger and stronger. The cancer has been gone 6 years. Jack believes that the Stem Cell transplant was a miracle that saved his life. Jack’s doctor was Dr. Lenard Sender at UCI Medical Center in Orange, CA.
Jack and his beautiful wife Debra are happily living a dream life. Their new website coast2coastinteriors is in development and will be up in July 2009. Jack has a great vision for his life and will share it soon with the world. It is a joy to be around Jack because he is joyful gratitude in motion – alive and vital. Courageous Hero’s come in many forms. Jack is my Hero, as is his brother Sam.
Below is a video of Dr. Lenard Sender who is a leading advocate for a neglected demographic: young adults with cancer. He joined some of his patients at a recent Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week at UC Irvine.
How is your core? I call your core LOVE. Similar to exercising your body, if your core is strong, it supports the rest of the body. When you walk in the moment loving everything, your world is supported in all ways. That core reaches out to every other area in your world. Ask “What Would Love Do Now?” and listen. Resistance will always give you an uncomfortable feeling. Breathe through it and listen. When you know what is making you uncomfortable, let it go. Use the courage you were given wisely.
Your consciousness can not act upon a mixed thought. Have you ever considered this? Do you wonder why your affirmations don’t work? Example – You decide to take a trip to your favorite destination. That is a precise, clear, pristine thought. If you left it alone all would work out perfectly. The Universe is in perpetual motion and you are the magnet of what you put out as a precise thought. The moment you start engaging in the W’s. When can I get the time off work, where will I get the money for plane tickets, hotel, etc, you have a mixed thought. Nothing will manifest or if it does, there is resistance and struggle. We manage to get in our own way constantly. Our job as creator beings is to make a decision as the architect of our own life. Think of it as building the outer experience from the inside out. Really get this as it is VIP – A mixed thought is an inconclusive thought and one your consciousness will not act upon. When you really get this, your life will change. It takes work and you must be vigilant and courageous.
I am sharing a video from Brother David because it talks of one of the most important aspects of life, no matter what path in life you follow – Gratitude. A major key to living a life of joy.
This video, featuring Brother David, a highly-respected Benedictine monk, author and spiritual leader, is a BLESSING to all those with “eyes to see and ears to hear.” Look, listen and be inspired by this powerful message on grateful living. Please visit gratefulness.org.
My Facebook friend Cari L Murphy is an inspiration to many people. Cari’s new bestselling book “Create Change Now” invites you to live a more abundant life. If you are into spirit renewal and manifesting your dreams, this is a book I highly recommend for you. This life is your journey. I am here to provide powerful tools for you to live your best life. I feel Cari’s book is full of tools you will love to incorporate into your life. I have included an article here “A Dose of Inspiration To Begin Your Week” that Cari wrote for her Facebook group. I know you will enjoy reading it.
~The expression of our unique gifts paves the way for CREATING CHANGE NOW.~
A Dose Of Inspiration To Begin Your Week
Our lives are truly a work of art! They are a manifestation of the gifts that we offer to the world. When we embrace and share our gifts, the true purpose of our life is clearly revealed and confirmed. We are in tune with our spiritual nature when we let go of the expectations others have of us and do that which brings us the greatest joy and fulfillment. This is living from the inside-out instead of living from the outside-in!
To move toward that which brings us joy isn’t selfish! In fact, it is the most generous thing we can do. This allows us to be in the pure, loving space of sharing our true gifts with others. The spirit of others cannot be lifted until or unless we trust our own gifts and offer them to the world.
We must not make the mistake of thinking that we have no gift to offer! Everyone has a gift to offer. Our gift is that which brings joy to ourselves and others. It is a pure and creative expression that breaks down walls, removes the symbolic armor of protection that we all wear, and allows others to know who we really are. Our gifts come from the heart. When our gifts are shared freely and openly, we will know the true meaning of prosperity. Only that which we truly love doing will touch others and bring genuine appreciation our way.
Nurturing and developing our gifts is key. We must take risks and open our hearts. Gradually, our confidence will build with ease and our light will grow and expand and awaken those that come our way. Those who refuse to begin even in a small way cannot accomplish anything. Our gifts are not meant to be hidden from the world! Joy-full individuals share their gifts with no expectation or attachments. They are content expressing their gifts without conditions. Unhappy individuals hold onto their gifts waiting for the perfect time and perfect venue to express them. Sadly, no one benefits from gifts that are withheld and kept locked away from the outside world.
Part of learning to trust our gifts is letting go of any attachments to how we feel the gift should be received. To give our gifts, we must release them and let go of any expectations regarding who will receive it and who won’t. We can’t hold onto our gifts and share them at the same time! We must give our gifts the wings they deserve!
The authentic expression of our gifts builds bridges of true connection with others. As we embrace our gifts and extend them freely, we naturally begin to move through our fears and self limiting behaviors. When others are faced with our absolute, uncompromising commitment to ourselves, they will either join us or move swiftly out of our way! Clarity emerges where ambivalence once resided. Surrendering occurs. Spirit awakens.
Spiritual work requires surrendering. Superficial work of the ego requires the illusion of control. Commitment to the pure and beautiful expression of our gifts paves the way for our dreams to become a reality. If we are really honest with ourselves, we will recognize that no one or nothing outside of us will ever prevent us from actualizing our goals. We are the only one that can sabotage the manifestation of our dreams! This is a harsh truth, yet it must be recognized and realized if we wish to create real change in our lives.
The way to CREATE CHANGE NOW is to determine what we want, commit to it, visualize it clearly, move toward our goals and embrace the opportunities that come our way, all the while surrendering our expectations of things happening in a specific manner. When we remain faithful and true to the honest, open expression of the gifts that come from the heart, we experience joy and fulfillment. That is when doors open and powerful, positive change can happen.
May you allow yourself the opportunity to express your gifts today! May you open your heart and CREATE CHANGE NOW!
My new book, Create Change Now, is available at http://create-change-now.com! I invite you to take a look if you haven’t done so already.
Here is my newest quote at Living in Courage – “Gratitude is a drug, it is free and non-toxic.” Yep, free as the air you breathe. You don’t have to pay for it, travel around the world to find it, be rich, poor, educated, any particular race, color, creed or anything you can think of to find it. It sits right in you heart. Imagine if people walked around all day saying how grateful they were for every little thing! Just imagine. Our world would shift immediately. But no, most people run around wanting more, feeling unappreciated (notice that comes out of not appreciating!) complaining, feeling stressed for uncountable reasons, and are just plain tired. This does not go on all day, but for the parts of the day it does, well, it just brings more of the same. The only way out of the cycle repeating over and over, is a feeling of love and gratitude to whoever you worship. To your body, mind/brain for carrying you through each day, to Mother Earth & the Kingdoms of Nature who hold you in their arms. Gratitude to everything and everyone, for mirroring exactly what you need to see and experience. If you want to look in the mirror and see a different image, then make some changes.
Saying a simple thank you is difficult for some people. I see many parents raising their children without the courtesy of a thank you when they receive. Simple gestures will alter the course of your life. I know people get tired of hearing we are all ONE, but it is true. What we do to ourselves, we do to another. Everything connects. Image the gratitude of a child starving in a third world country when they receive anything to eat. This child needs food and clean water, something we take for granted and expect to be there 24/7. What is wrong with this picture? When did we become so immune to our fellow men, women and children? There are many people dying for no reason. Time to wake up folks, time is running out for us. No joke.
There will be some powerful choices to make in the next few years for all of us. Starting now will eliminate a great deal of pain for ourselves and others. The time is now, now, now. Not tomorrow, or when we have more time, money or energy. Look deep inside, for you are courageous. You came into this world with all the answers inside you, but fell into a hypnotic sleep. This sleep is losing it’s hold on people all over the world. When you wake up, what do you want to see?
Debra Oakland@ Living in Courage Online
“There are only two ways to live. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.
I love people who do courageous things. They are usually people who are controversial, yet they get things done. I admire what Madonna has done for children in Malawi and Africa. I see that as Living in Courage. The next time you want to judge another persons action – Don’t. It will only come straight back to hurt only you.
I am recommending an amazing book “I Am Because We Are” written by Madonna and photographed by award-winning photojournalist Kristen Ashburn . This beautiful and powerful book is about Madonna’s 7 year journey and work with the children and people of Malawi and Africa. I quote from the blog:
“The title is derived from the concept of “Ubuntu,” an idea in African spirituality that states that all of humanity is connected, that we cannot be ourselves without community, that an individual’s well-being is dependent upon the well-being of others. These heart-wrenching stories are a call to action. In Malawi, a country of 13 million people, over one million are orphans. Looking into the hearts and minds of children who have endured unimaginable suffering, the book provides an unflinching view of life at the center of the global AIDS crisis. This is not just a story about orphans in Malawi, but about global responsibility and human interconnectedness.”
If you are interested in the documentary film, visit I Am Because We Are blog about the film.
I have met a wonderful woman on Facebook this week. Her name is Jane Monica Tvedt and she is a wonderful artist who is assisting in an Art Auction for the Children of Malawi on June 11th 2009. Living in Courage would like to support this endeavor for the children by spreading the word online.
The well known Erik Thorstvedt will be in charge of the auction. Behind the auction are independent distributors of Nourish The Children product. The aim is to get money to support as many children as possible one year ahead. They are already setting a goal to have one art project a year to raise money for people who are suffering.
I am posting two You Tube Video’s (click on Read More below to view) from “Empire of Heart Norway” about the auction and the children of Malawi. The paintings in this video will be at the art auction June 11, 2009. The sale of the painting will go to the children in Malawi.
If someone would like to put in a bid on the art, please contact Inger Elise – Lege
Mail: hel.se.hel@gmail.com
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Endorsements
“Debra Oakland has clearly written Living in Courage from the heart. This is a book that guides people to summon the courage to face life's biggest challenges. You will find wonderful nuggets that you can apply to your life now.”
~ David Riklan, Founder of SelfGrowth.com,
the #1 Self Improvement Website on the Internet
www.SelfGrowth.com
